[Ucrfacultyandstaff] Jodie Holt

[UCR Provost]

Dear Campus Community,

It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of Professor Jodie Holt of
the Department of Botany and Plant Sciences in the College of Natural and
Agricultural Sciences. Jodie passed away on April 27. She was a
distinguished scholar, dedicated educator, visionary leader, and cherished
colleague whose decades of service left a lasting mark on UC Riverside and
far beyond.

Professor Holt joined the UC Riverside faculty in 1982 and devoted more
than three decades to teaching, research, and service. An internationally
respected plant scientist, her work advanced the understanding of weed
ecology, invasive species, plant physiology, and sustainable management
practices that support agriculture and protect natural ecosystems. She was
widely regarded as a leader in her field and mentored generations of
students and scholars.

Jodie also served as Chair of the Department of Botany and Plant Sciences,
followed by a term as Divisional Dean of Agriculture and Natural Resources
in CNAS. Following her retirement in 2015, Jodie returned to campus
leadership as director of the UCR Botanic Gardens, where her vision helped
strengthen the gardens as a place of beauty, education, research, and
community engagement.

CNAS Dean Peter Atkinson shared the following reflection:

“I had the distinct pleasure of working with Jodie for several years. I saw
firsthand her bold vision for the UCR Botanic Gardens and her unwavering
commitment to bringing that vision to life. She understood that the Gardens
could serve as a place of beauty, education, research, and community
engagement. The Botanic Gardens today remain one of the most visible and
enduring expressions of her legacy.”

Jodie will be remembered not only for her many professional
accomplishments, but also for her warmth, generosity, and deep love of the
natural world.

A fuller tribute to Professor Holt’s life and legacy is available here
<https://cnas.ucr.edu/news/2026/05/01/memoriam-remembering-jodie-holt-scholar-educator-and-campus-leader>
.

Please keep Jodie’s family, friends, students, and colleagues in your
thoughts during this difficult time.
Sincerely,

Liz



*Elizabeth Watkins, PhD*

*Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor*

*Professor of History*

University of California, Riverside

951.827.1129 | Elizabeth.Watkins at UCR.edu
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